Focal project: Senegal

Project characteristics

Period
03/2012 - 03/2015

Partnership
GIZ (German Society for International Cooperation) and TEEKANNE in cooperation with local partner organizations

Goals

• Development of a new growing region for high quality hibiscus for TEEKANNE
• Establishment of hibiscus growing in Senegal as an alternative source of income for women through a training and support programme
• Long-term income maintenance and average income increase by at least 20 % for 30 women groups

Results so far

• In 2013 the first supplies of hibiscus from the project were exported to TEEKANNE.
• More than 200 women (19 women groups) were trained in sowing and harvesting hibiscus.
• Implementation of the first steps towards the development of an effective quality assurance system

Hibiscus growing to secure the future

Owing to climatic changes and falling world market prices for peanuts, Senegalese farmers running small farms look for alternative crops to secure or boost their family incomes.

Hibiscus is a good alternative because it can withstand the local climatic conditions and is already now grown there mainly by women, on a smal scale. At the same time hibiscus is a basic ingredient of herbal and fruit teas, which are more and more popular with European tea drinkers.

European quality standards must be achieved and harvest volumes and productivity must be increased so that Senegalese women can profit from the rising demand.

Because of this, the women groups are advised and trained by a local partner organization. At the same time, a quality assurance system is developed, and the local farming facilities (for example sorting tables and storerooms) are improved.

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Far-reaching positive effects

Since the beginning of the project, 19 women groups from 28 villages have joined the project. More than 200 women have been trained and have already sown and harvested the first crop of hibiscus with the help of GIZ and local partner organizations.

The project is extended to further women groups and villages, because hibiscus growing is becoming more and more attractive owing to improved income opportunities. GIZ will also involve local craftsmen, who will provide tools and drying and hibiscus storing facilities, into the project.

The quality assurance system and compliance with social standards will be developed and prepared for certification.

The average income of female farmers is expected to rise by at least 20 %, the village economy will also be strengthened.
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